By Donna Westfall with credit to CBS News, New York Time & World Health Organization – January 22, 2020
Runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever. Run of the mill symptoms for the common cold except when it can lead to pneumonia and death.
China reportedly has 450 cases with 17 deaths directly related to the Coronavirus. Called a deadly new strain of virus with the first case hitting Seattle, Washington when a 30 year old man traveled from Wuhan, China to Seattle.
This virus can be transmitted from animals to humans as well as from person to person. Wuhan has a population of 11 million. The virus has reportedly been linked to Hua Nan Seafood Wholesale Market, a large seafood and animal market in the city and was closed on January 1st to clean up and disinfect. However, not all cases are related to that Market.
The virus has not yet been labeled a public health emergency. Meanwhile, airports in major hubs like LA, NY and San Francisco will start screening passengers as 5,000 passengers are expected to pass through US airports in the next few weeks.
The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a diagnostic test. They have sent 100 workers to screen passengers at the three major ports of entry as well as Atlanta’s International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
What precautions can you take right now if you’re concerned? Avoid being around anyone coughing and be aware there may be transmission through saliva so that could mean no kissing. Use disinfectant and keep a clean environment. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids and if you’re feeling like a cold/fever is coming on, you can take over the counter meds for sore throat and fever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen instead of aspirin.
If you feel sick, stay home! Take care of yourself.
For those wanting a more natural approach, essential oils may help. Inhaling, NOT ingesting, the following, but do your research:
- Thyme, Thymus vulgaris
- Oregano, Origanum vulgare
- Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus
- Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis
- Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia
- Sage, Salvia officinalis
